I was just agonizing over this question upon buying my rental property. For years, I relied upon an old college friend who was an art student/carpenter, someone I could give a key to with no qualms (I think he still has a key to my house) Alas, he had to move away.

I had to have a roof put on recently, and came by the roofing company through reference from my neighbor. The roofing company also gave me free inspections on the homes I looked at, and I was impressed with their professionalism. So, I asked them about a handyman service. I was really pleased with the guy I ended up with. Not as cheap as my friend, but who would expect that, anyway?

Do you know any realtors? My realtor also had given me some names. Angie's List isn't big in my area, so I couldn't turn to them. Basically, I guess I'm saying that if you've worked with any other trades in the recent past, you might ask those people who they would recommend.

I'm wholly a word of mouth guy. You might ask at stores selling paint or lumber but I'd consider their suggestions as leads, not as recommendations. When you narrow the list, ask to see examples of their work and talk with the folks who paid them or with the tenants who live with their work.